Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications is no stranger to technology. As one of the nations leading telecommunications firms, they know how the Internet is changing the way the world operates. Thus, it was no surprise when they chose Automated Logic’s WebCTRL® building automation system for their Allentown Main Central Office Building. Installed by DVL Automation, Inc. of Bristol, Pennsylvania, the system provides secure access to their facility’s HVAC system, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer with a web browser.

Verizon was very familiar with DVL Automation and the Automated Logic product line, and had selected them for the project before WebCTRL was proposed as an option. Asked about the new WebCTRL system, Rick Ritz of Verizon’s Real Estate Operations replied: “I really like the system. We deal with three other DDC systems and there is no comparison. By far, the ALC system is the easiest to use. It’s easy to get information out of it, and it’s easy to change settings. The trending capabilities are also much better than the other systems.”

The HVAC portion of the project was relatively straightforward, but critical to the operation of the Allentown operation. This facility houses the switchgear and operators that control Verizon telephone calls in a large segment of the Northeast, so downtime was absolutely unacceptable. Air handlers and a chiller, which provide a controlled environment for three floors of switchgear, were upgraded to the WebCTRL system. (The other six floors of this 9-story facility will be upgraded in subsequent projects.) The existing pneumatic controllers were replaced by ALC control modules, and an ALC Portal unit translated messages going to and from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) control system in the chiller. E/P transducers were used to connect the new control modules to the existing pneumatic actuators. Reliability was absolutely essential, a point which was driven home by the fact that the air handlers had to remain operational throughout the conversion. Despite the complications imposed by this requirement, the entire project was completed on schedule.